Braintree Councilor Flaherty Seeking Re-Election In District 1

BRAINTREE, MA — District 1 Town Councilor Julia Flaherty will seek re-election in Braintree's town election this November, Flaherty announced Tuesday.

Flaherty was first elected to the council in 2019 and served on several committees over the last two years. They included: Ways and Means, Ordinance and Rules, Elder Affairs and Veteran Services, Public Works, Parks and Recreation.

"I’m so grateful that District 1 voters put their trust in me, and it's a responsibility I take seriously," Flaherty said in a statement. "I've worked hard to keep residents updated, and to offer information on both sides of every issue, so they can make informed opinions on issues affecting our community."

Flaherty also serves on the Master Plan Steering Committee. The town’s last master plan, which serves as a guide for land use and development, was created more than 20 years ago. As a committee member, Flaherty said she will help ensure that the final document reflects residents’ voices and ideas on the future of the community.

Flaherty said her other term one priorities included:

Keeping residents informed on Council business and pressing town issues via:

• A comprehensive monthly newsletter and frequent Facebook posts on upcoming meetings, votes, and events
• Hosting special community meetings to allow residents to share ideas and concerns, including sessions on budget responsibility and racial equity
• Holding twice weekly office hours, both virtually and in-person

Advocating for transparency around the construction of the Petersen Sports Comple

• Ensuring that the contractors are held to the standards set forth in the signed agreements.
• Advocating for the facility that will serve the needs of our high school athletes

Fighting the compressor station:

• Serves as Council liaison to Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station (FRRACS)
• Advocated for Braintree to take a stronger initiative in the fight against the compressor
• Contributed a motion to intervene aimed at demonstrating to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) why the compressor is a hazard to the area

Advocating for Braintree students and teachers:

• Working to ensure that education remains a high priority in the town’s budget o Supporting efforts to improve school infrastructure
• Promoting an attitude of inclusiveness in all educational initiatives

"I am committed to the fundamental belief that Braintree's best resources are the people who live here,"Flaherty said. "The best ideas for what Braintree’s future will come from the residents themselves. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to be accessible and responsive to my constituents in District 1 and residents across town."

Flaherty holds a Master’s degree from Boston University and a Bachelor’s degree from Smith College, and worked as a high school history teacher for more than a decade.

She's also been an active member of the Braintree civic community, serving as a Girl Scout troop leader, chairperson of the Braintree Integrated Preschool PTO, and a volunteer at the Braintree Neighbor Brigade.

More about Flaherty can be found at her campaign website.

The Braintree town election is Nov. 2. Residents have until Oct. 13 to register to vote in the election.